Curtains for the home can be a significant investment. Therefore, careful consideration is required in balancing longevity, function, cost and fashion. We asked our curtain maker Pat Giddens for her top tips.

Style
Start by looking in magazines, books and on the internet to get an idea of the multitude of styles of curtains and blinds. Consider how the architecture of the room and windows will influence the style. Not all styles are suitable for all windows.

Function of the room
Consider the end use of the room e.g. do you need total black out for a baby’s room or a media room? Do you need to reduce sunlight to protect furniture?

Colour
Colour can make a room look larger or smaller and can have an effect on the mood. You may also want to go for a darker colour in a home with pets and children.

Fabric

Most major fabric houses have brilliant websites that can make it very simple to look at fabrics and order swatches from home.Consideration needs to be given to the fact they may often be hanging in strong sunlight. Strong colours may fade and many fabrics can disintegrate very quickly. Careful use of linings and interlinings will help. Certain fabrics e.g. linens may crease very easily.

Quality
As well as quality of the fabrics used, it is essential to use good quality hard ware e.g. tracks and poles. Strength, ease of use and good fitting are primary concerns.

Headings
Your choice of heading style will affect the fullness of the curtains and the quantity of fabric required. Different headings will make the curtains look formal or informal, modern or traditional, allow for a good stack back or alternatively give a voluptuous look.

Measuring
Measure twice! How much light you want to let in or keep out? You may want to stack well back from the window to protect fabric or allow maximum day light into the room. In estimating fabric required you will need to know your fabric width and if the fabric is patterned your pattern repeat.

Making
The essential requirement is a large flat clear surface at table height. Making anything of size on the floor would be a back breaking nightmare. Always check your entire fabric roll for flaws before cutting. Measure and mark cut lengths with a pin. Always mark each drop with the top and correct side of the fabric as even simple fabrics may look different when hung upside down.